Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) has launched a one-stop-shop website to provide Nigerians with information and resources on renewable energy.

L-R: Taiwo Tella-Ndukwe, Director of Operations; Prof. Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director; and Lovelyn Okafor, Director of Programmes, all of the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) during a media parley in Lagos.

The platform, dubbed Distributed Energy Resources (DER), aims to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch event, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, Executive Director of CADEF, emphasized the importance of exploring renewable energy alternatives.

“It’s not just about solar energy, but also solar cookers and hot water systems,” she said. “The key is to find options that fit within your budget.”

“The Nigerian government has set a target of generating at least 30% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. While this goal may be ambitious, CADEF is working to promote awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions”.

The DER website provides information on renewable energy options, including solar power, financing options, and installers. It also offers a platform for individuals and businesses to explore solutions and connect with experts in the field.

CADEF is collaborating with government agencies, such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Power, to promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

The organization is also committed to promoting awareness and adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly among rural communities.

In response to questions about affordability, Professor Ndukwe-Okafor emphasized that renewable energy solutions can be tailored to individual needs and budgets.

“While solar energy may not be affordable for everyone, it can provide a viable alternative for those who can afford it,” she said.

CADEF’s initiative is a step in the right direction towards promoting renewable energy in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with energy challenges, it is essential to explore alternative solutions that can provide sustainable and clean energy for all Nigerians.

AS the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) intensifies its public awareness campaign, school proprietors in the FCT have been advised to exercise due diligence by procuring books from legitimate sources to curb copyright infringement and help sanitise the book value chain.

This was disclosed by Mr. Emeka Ogbonna, the Director Operations, NCC, in his address at the General Meeting of National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), FCT held at Veritas University, Abuja on 9th October, 2024.

Speaking to the participants, Mr. Ogbonna acknowledged the contributions of the proprietors to the educational development of the nation, emphasising the need for wholesome practices to protect the book ecosystem. ‘’If you must sell or distribute books, ensure you get them from the right sources”, he cautioned.

He said the warning was imperative in view of complaints from right owners and publishers about schools selling pirated books. He stated that the NCC is not opposed to schools selling books, but maintained that due diligence must be exercised by ensuring that all purchased books are properly documented with authentic receipts.

Sensitising the school proprietors further on the tenets of the new Copyright Act 2022, the Director said it is a criminal offence to sell, distribute or be in possession, other than for private or domestic use, works that are pirated. Harping on the stiffer punishments prescribed for offenders by the new Act, he said schools selling or distributing books will be treated as booksellers and subject to the same standard of care.

The NAPPS FCT President, Mrs. Ruth Agboola, commended the NCC and other government agencies in attendance and lauded the Management of Veritas University for hosting the event.

The meeting was also attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Veritas University, Abuja, Rev. Fr. (Prof) Hyacinth E. Ichoku and other officials of the University.

Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, effective January 1, 2025.

This decision, outlined in a letter dated November 25, 2024, and signed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, cites the escalating cost of overseas training and an increasing number of scholars absconding as reasons for the suspension. The letter was addressed to heads of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

“In response to the current excessive cost of training in foreign institutions, coupled with the high rate of abscondment of scholars, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TSAS Intervention,” the letter stated.

TETFund has directed beneficiary institutions to prioritize local training within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This shift, according to Echono, is aimed at reducing pressure on foreign exchange, enhancing local capacity, and significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries.

“It is expected that this will conserve and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in our institutions while significantly increasing the number of beneficiaries of the intervention,” Echono wrote.

However, scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions under the TSAS programme will continue to receive sponsorship until they complete their studies, ensuring a smooth transition for ongoing commitments.